Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: slim_grizzy on October 14, 2008, 08:01:12 AM

Title: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: slim_grizzy on October 14, 2008, 08:01:12 AM
As the weather has cooled down in the mornings (upper 60s/low 70s) now that it's fall, I've noticed my 696 has a lot harder time cranking up.  I know that it has the fast idle switch and all, but it takes several starts before it cranks over and gets going.  It helps to have the bike straight up to get the oil around but it still takes a bit.  Anyone else having this kind of trouble with their 696's?
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: jdubbs32584 on October 14, 2008, 08:05:16 AM
Here's a thread that might help out: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=9885.0

Basically says to use that cold start lever to get it going good. From your post, I can't tell if you're actually using the lever.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: the_Journeyman on October 14, 2008, 08:06:34 AM
It shouldn't be that hard to start in the 60's IMO.  I don't have a 696, but my carbed 750 usually cranks right up with a little choke until it gets around freezing, then 2-3 bumps of the starter gets her going.

JM
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: slim_grizzy on October 14, 2008, 08:21:47 AM
I've tried it with and without the lever.  It actually seems to work a little better without the lever on at the start and then moving it up some.  Thanks for the link to the other thread though, I missed it looking for it the first time around.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: causeofkaos on October 14, 2008, 10:39:26 AM
ive got about 1600 miles on my 696, it was about 52*  F this morning 1st attempt fired right up then kicked in the cold start lever.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: NWapex on October 14, 2008, 10:53:31 AM
I have done some early morning commutes in the 40s.  My 696 turns over fine, but does not like to stay running immediately.  I normally start with the cold start lever fully open.  I find that if it fires and then dies after a couple of seconds moving the cold start lever to about 1/2 works. 
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: rosstermyer on October 14, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
half choke always and forever on any cold start.  i got tired of trying it sometimes with and without.  if you use the choke everytime on the first crank then reduce it some you will have good results.  just be careful cause the battery only usualy has enough charge to roll the starter a few times.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: danaid on October 14, 2008, 04:16:01 PM
Quote from: rosstermyer on October 14, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
half choke always and forever on any cold start.  i got tired of trying it sometimes with and without.  if you use the choke everytime on the first crank then reduce it some you will have good results.  just be careful cause the battery only usualy has enough charge to roll the starter a few times.

+1, always at least cracked on first start.

Even when it seems warm enough to start without aid.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Louv on October 14, 2008, 09:27:56 PM
I haven't found the pattern yet, but sometime my 696 starts on the first crank, and sometimes she just doesn't want to start.  Fast idle position doesn't seem to be the common thread.  Outside temp doesn't seem to be it either.

Sorry, no helpful data here other than "Happens to me too." 


Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: NWapex on October 14, 2008, 11:14:26 PM
Quote from: rosstermyer on October 14, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
half choke always and forever on any cold start. 

No choke on our fancy FI M696  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: He Man on October 14, 2008, 11:58:37 PM
+1 having the fast idle on is not the same as the choke. the choke dumps more fuel in (by cutting air out) so it starts easier. fast idle just  keeps the idle up to warm the bike up.

My S2R1k is the same. sometimes it fires up on teh first go, sometimes ti takes 5-6 turns no matter the temp.

I really think its just the position of the pistons and all that jazz, maybe one is still in exahust and the other is still in compression???  ??? so it needs to compelte those cycles before it can start. Thats my only guess.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: semyhr on October 15, 2008, 12:40:07 AM
Mornings are cold here so I start the bike as per manual - fast idle open all the way when starting and then when the bike is running setting it a bit lower till rpms are around 1500 ;)

As far as I understood from the manual it does give in more fuel and that's why they say to never use it while riding. If it was for the idle rpms only I don't think there would be a problem riding a bike with them higher.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Sleeper_I on October 15, 2008, 12:41:11 AM
This just prove our Duc's have a soul [wine].

For my 696 she doesn't like it when I start her up with max fast idle in the cold. She likes it when I progressively increase the fast idle lever as soon as I start her up or else she'll tell me to try again. I can then ease her down when she can fully take over.

She just want me to work her up.... progressively ;D

Oh, and if your Duc hasn't been fully broken in yet then just give her some time to get adjusted. She'll be smoother as time goes by
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: ArguZ on October 15, 2008, 12:50:32 AM
Here in Denmark we enjoy 6-8 degrees Celsius in the morning..
My 695 stands outside with just a thin cover on...but it starts perfectly fine on the first try.
I don't use the choke for starting it but I set it to 50% for the first 5 minutes of the ride to work..
just because I like it idling at 1500 rpm..
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Raux on October 15, 2008, 01:02:11 AM
be careful with fast idling while riding. just imagine riding with never cutting the throttle for stops/starts and gear shifts and that's basically what you are doing.

Arguz, since you're used to it you probably have adjusted your riding style for that time, but for someone just getting on, it's a lesson learned the hard one. trust me.

does the 695 have a choke or the fast idle?
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: gearhead on October 15, 2008, 03:18:22 AM
  My bike always starts perfect no matter the temp. Full fast idle ,push the button and decrease as necessary to maintain a decent idle. It's in the upper 40's here in the morning.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Howie on October 15, 2008, 05:12:15 AM
Fast idle on your 695.  Only carbies have a choke.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Takster on October 15, 2008, 08:47:54 AM
Quote from: slim_grizzy on October 14, 2008, 08:01:12 AM
As the weather has cooled down in the mornings (upper 60s/low 70s) now that it's fall, I've noticed my 696 has a lot harder time cranking up.  I know that it has the fast idle switch and all, but it takes several starts before it cranks over and gets going.  It helps to have the bike straight up to get the oil around but it still takes a bit.  Anyone else having this kind of trouble with their 696's?

The same happens for me... I mean, it starts eventually, but the things got <500 miles on it.  It should start reliably every time.  I'm bringing it in for the 600 mile maintenance shortly, so I'll insist that they fix it.  I'm kind of BS about the whole thing to be honest.  I'll let you guys know what happens.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: ArguZ on October 15, 2008, 08:58:38 AM
Choke, idle whet ever ;)
Its called "Starthebel" in German and adjusts the "Standgasdrehzahl"
I wonder why an electronic controlled injection needs that, besides of being retro, which i like.
And keeping it on 1500 feels just right...And it never dies on a stop light.
Starting the engine just to warm it up is not environmental friendly I say.
If it runs, I go
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Milk Run on October 15, 2008, 09:16:22 AM

After I removed the charcoal canister, cold starts became much easier.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Takster on October 15, 2008, 09:19:45 AM
Quote from: Milk Run on October 15, 2008, 09:16:22 AM
After I removed the charcoal canister, cold starts became much easier.


Those are some magic words you just spoke.  I've been thinking about it, now I've just got to.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: zedsaid on October 15, 2008, 11:54:52 AM
I've had a couple of rough cold starts, and once or twice it's died as soon as i round the corner... but looking back on it, it always seems to me that i turned the key and hit the starter.

Maybe it's a matter of letting the pump prime?
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Takster on October 15, 2008, 12:29:53 PM
Quote from: zedsaid on October 15, 2008, 11:54:52 AM
I've had a couple of rough cold starts, and once or twice it's died as soon as i round the corner... but looking back on it, it always seems to me that i turned the key and hit the starter.

Maybe it's a matter of letting the pump prime?

Excuse what is probably a total newb question, as this may be obvious to some of you, but what exactly does "letting the pump prime" mean?  Isn't this a non-issue for fuel-infected engines?  It's not like we have fuel petcocks with a 'prime' position...
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: zedsaid on October 15, 2008, 01:44:01 PM
Quote from: Takster on October 15, 2008, 12:29:53 PM
Excuse what is probably a total newb question, as this may be obvious to some of you, but what exactly does "letting the pump prime" mean?  Isn't this a non-issue for fuel-infected engines?  It's not like we have fuel petcocks with a 'prime' position...

Turn your key and listen.  You will hear a whirring sound.  That's the pump "priming", pushing fuel from the tank to the injectors.  The injectors need pressure to, you know, inject fuel.  Otherwise it'd be like those last few drops of piddle before you shake.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Mad Duc on October 15, 2008, 05:38:32 PM
Quote from: slim_grizzy on October 14, 2008, 08:01:12 AM
As the weather has cooled down in the mornings (upper 60s/low 70s) now that it's fall, I've noticed my 696 has a lot harder time cranking up.  I know that it has the fast idle switch and all, but it takes several starts before it cranks over and gets going.  It helps to have the bike straight up to get the oil around but it still takes a bit.  Anyone else having this kind of trouble with their 696's?

Bing. Same issue with mine in the same temp ranges. Very hard to get started, 2-3 minutes of pissing about. I was thinking it might have been the reformulated gas we have here over the summer. I had the coil issue taken care of at the 600(closer to 1200) mile service. I'm still having a weird issue at ~4000 rpms and a weird metallic popping sound when I hit the throttle hard. You have the same issues? I have the termi kit without any other engine / exhaust mod. I'm at bit over 2k miles right now.

Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: Takster on October 16, 2008, 06:27:57 AM
Quote from: zedsaid on October 15, 2008, 01:44:01 PM
Turn your key and listen.  You will hear a whirring sound.  That's the pump "priming", pushing fuel from the tank to the injectors.  The injectors need pressure to, you know, inject fuel.  Otherwise it'd be like those last few drops of piddle before you shake.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: MonsterMI on October 17, 2008, 09:05:04 AM
It was 36 this morning when I started up the 696 for my commute to work and it fired right up with the cold start lever fully "open". I let it run like that until the idle really picks up and then move it to about the halfway point until I see two bars on the temp gauge. Then I push it forward to fully "closed" and off I go. Works like a charm every time.
Title: Re: Cold Starts on a 696
Post by: mbalmer on October 17, 2008, 09:39:58 AM
My 695 started hard at times until I had the charcoal canister removed and new exhaust put on (not sure which made more difference). Now, I also keep it hooked to the battery tender. Fires right up.